Category Archives: Acid Reflux Disease

Gerd Symptoms In Infants

Posted on by duran

Gerd Symptoms In InfantsGastro-esophageal reflux disease, otherwise called GERD, often occurs in adults. Unfortunately, some infants will also experience acid reflux. As a parent, it is important to recognize the symptoms of an infant who is suffering from GERD to point it out to a doctor and begin an appropriate treatment to make the baby more comfortable. Fortunately, the symptoms of GERD and acid reflux in children is easy to recognize when looking for the right signs.

Frequent Symptoms:

The symptoms that occur most frequently are the common signs of GERD that doctors will need to know about for an accurate diagnosis. These symptoms occur in most infants who are suffering from acid reflux and give an indication that something is wrong.

Infants who have frequent vomiting or recurring vomiting have one of the potential symptoms. This symptoms should not stand alone because vomiting is often a sign of many other sicknesses a baby might develop.

Many infants will have frequent coughing as a result of the uncomfortable feeling in the throat from the reflux. As with the vomiting, this should not stand alone.

Infants who refuse to eat are often doing so as a result of the discomfort in the throat from the reflux. These same babies might have difficulty eating as well. Babies who are gagging or seem to choke on the formula or food might have a sore throat from reflux.

A large amount of gas is often a sign of reflux in infants. This can also relate to reactions to food, so it should not stand alone as a symptom.

Most babies will cry and act fussy as a result of the pain from heartburn. This is a common symptom associated with GERD in infancy and might result in less sleep for both the infant and parents.

Some babies will also regurgitate and re-swallow foods or formula.

Symptoms that Sometimes Occur:

Though many symptoms are common among babies, some infants will have further symptoms that might alarm parents and doctors until an appropriate diagnosis is made.

One of the potential symptoms that might worry parents is recurring pneumonia. Some babies who develop GERD will end up catching pneumonia several times before the cause is recognized. If a baby is getting pneumonia often, parents should ask a doctor about GERD as a potential cause.

Breathing problems might also develop from acid reflux. Part of the problem is due to breathing in the acids while sleeping and part of it is the constant irritation on the esophagus. Wheezing, coughing and general breathing difficulty might relate to GERD, though parents should also rule out asthma.

Though infants usually outgrow GERD before reaching the toddler years, it does sometimes occur in young children as well. Parents need to understand the reflux problem and learn more about it before they are able to work with a doctor and implement the best treatment methods. A baby cannot talk about the problems, but he or she will show symptoms that parents can recognize. For more information about GERD in infancy and childhood, visit Reflux Remedy at www.refluxremedy.com today.

 

Digestive Enzymes And Acid Reflux

Posted on by jose

Digestive Enzymes And Acid Reflux - Dealing with it.It is estimated that over ten million people in the United States suffer from acid reflux and other problems related to digestion, so if you are feeling heart burn, this could be the cause. Pharmaceutical companies have picked up on the increasing number of people with these complaints, and so the shelves are filled with over-the-counter medications, as well as many prescription drugs.

The symptoms of acid reflux likely lead to heartburn because the actual definition of acid reflux means that certain foods are not being digested in the stomach, so the bile is coming back up the esophagus and causing pain. This condition has become known by several different names, but they all primarily have the same symptoms and the same root causes. This will help you identify and reassure you that you are not the only one with these pains. They are:

Heartburn

Burning sensation in stomach and esophagus usually from acid or bile.

Acid reflux

Foods not being totally digested, causing a backflow of acid stomach contents into the esophagus which can cause heartburn.

Gerd

Gerd is an acronym for gastroesophagel reflux and Gerd is the common name.

Hiatal Hernia

It is where part of the stomach obtrudes through the esophageal cleft in the diaphragm causing acid reflux.

Stomach gas

Gas produced in stomach from foods not digesting well.

Bloating

When stomach gas builds up.

IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome can come from stress or many other causes.

Continual constipation

Comes from stress and not digesting food completely.

 

As you can see, most of these are related and the reason for that is that certain foods are not getting digested, and the result is one of the above. The foods that don’t agree are processed foods or foods where the enzymes that are supposed to be breaking down the food so the nutrients can be extracted, are not there. Enzymes come naturally in fresh foods and most enzymes are killed at temperatures above 118*. Junk food just doesn’t have enzymes because they are dead foods, not made with fresh foods. So many Americans do not get the proper enzymes for digestion and hence, these problems arise.

There are natural solutions to aid digestion and reduce the pain, so there is no need to rely on the drug store. These enzymes that are needed can be taken as supplements, by going online or to your local health food store. They mainly come in tablets that you take when you eat to digest the food completely.

There are at least fifteen enzymes, which you can have at meals to digest the food completely. This solution may seem overly simple but try the enzymes and also try eating an apple when you feel heartburn. Acid reflux and the other related problems are growing in our society because our culture does not value healthy foods. Eat more fresh foods and drink plenty of water and with these solutions, you will feel better. For more information on digestive enzymes be sure to visit Reflux Remedy today.

Gastric Reflux Symptoms

Posted on by jose

Gastric reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly and allows the stomach’s acidic contents to return to the esophagus. When hydrochloric acid comes in contact with the lining of the esophagus, it may cause acid indigestion or heartburn. This medical condition is also referred to as acid reflux disease or gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Gastric Reflux Causes

Occasional gastric reflux is a common condition. If this health problem occurs more than twice a week, it is considered gastric reflux disease (GERD). Statistics show that 25 to 40 percent of Americans experience symptomatic gastric reflux disease at least once a month. Although gastric reflux is often associated with overeating, pregnancy, or obesity, it can affect people of all ages.

This medical condition can be brought on by acidic food or drink, including fried or fatty foods, spicy foods, tomato-based foods, citrus fruits, onions, chocolate, coffee, cola, milk, wine, and spirits. Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, which makes this condition worse. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, calcium channel blockers, and anticholinergic agents may cause gastric reflux as well.

How Does Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Manifest Itself?

The main symptoms of gastric reflux in adults include a painful or burning sensation in the chest or upper stomach, excess belching, breathing difficulties, indigestion, and dyspepsia. Gastric reflux symptoms may have no apparent cause. They usually occur after drinking alcohol or eating large, fatty meals. This medical condition is more common in smokers, pregnant women, and overweight individuals.

Gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms often mimic those of a heart attack. Patients diagnosed with gastric reflux experience various symptoms, both typical and atypical. This health condition causes daily episodes of symptomatic reflux, increased salivation (water brash), shortness of breath, blood in vomit, regurgitation, and heartburn. Atypical symptoms include pneumonia, chest pain, hoarseness, and asthma. Children with gastric reflux may experience nausea, coughing, repeated regurgitation, wheezing, laryngytis, and irritability. This condition is often overlooked in children and infants.

Researchers have found that gastric reflux may cause injury of the esophagus, including esophageal adenocarcinoma, reflux esophagitis, intestinal metaplasia of the distal esophagus, and esophageal strictures. Esophagitis can lead to ulcer, bleeding, and difficulty swallowing. When accompanied by esophageal injury, gastric reflux can cause pharyngitis, chronic cough, dentine hypersensitivity, and erosion of dental enamel.

Since gastric reflux symptoms mimic those triggered by other diseases, it is important for every individual to understand how this medical condition manifests itself. The intensity of symptoms may vary from one person to another. For most people, the discomfort associated with this health problem can affect quality of life and everyday activities. If left untreated, gastric reflux can last several months or longer.

Gastric reflux is usually treated with acid suppressants, antacids, and prokinetic agents. These medications increase the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, reduce the production of acid in the stomach, and alleviate gastric reflux symptoms. Numerous studies have shown that gastric reflux medication, when used in conjunction with a dietary plan, can reduce the discomfort associated with this condition.

For more information about gastric reflux symptoms and treatment, visit Reflux Remedy.

Causes of GERD

Posted on by duran

causes of gerdGastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is the muscle tissue surrounding the lower esophagus. The LES is what prevents stomach contents from coming up into the esophagus. However, when there is weakening in the LES, the inability to completely close the esophagus allows the stomach acid to rise into the esophagus which causes the acid reflux. There are certain causes which can create the LES muscular weakening which leads to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernias occur as a result of the upper stomach pushing up into the chest. Not all patients with a hiatal hernia have GERD. However, severe acid reflux can occur in certain patients.

Peristalsis

Peristalsis is an esophageal abnormality in which the action of the spontaneous muscle does not function properly. This is a common problem with people who suffer from GERD. Additional symptoms which also may be present in patients with esophageal abnormalities include hoarseness and/or chronic cough. The person may also feel like there is a lump in the throat.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a stomach disorder in which it takes a longer period of time to empty the contents of the stomach. Due to the longer time period as well as increased pressure in the stomach, the acid can move back into the esophagus leading to GERD. People with diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes, are at an increased risk of developing gastroparesis which leads to GERD.

Pregnancy

During a pregnancy, a woman has elevated progestin hormones. This rise in progestin relaxes the LES which leads to GERD. Another contributing factor to GERD in pregnant women is the increased pressure of the uterus.

Obesity

Due to the increased pressure of the stomach, there is often a back up of acid into the esophageal area.

Medications

Certain medications can lead to GERD. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAID’s, can contribute to GERD. Types of NSAID’s include ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen. Biophosphonates is a drug used to treat osteoporosis. This class of drugs can create irritation of the esophagus and GERD. Other medications which may contribute to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease include dopamine which is commonly used in patients with Parkinson’s Disease, calcium channel blockers which are used to treat angina and high blood pressure, beta adrenergic agonists which are used for obstructive lung diseases and asthma, antibiotics, sedatives, iron pills, potassium and anticholinergics which may be used to treat glaucoma, allergies and urinary tract disorders.

Asthma

Studies have shown that over half of asthma patients also suffer from GERD. The coughing which happens during an asthma attack can cause GERD. Another contributing factor is certain medications to treat asthma may also loosen the LES which causes GERD.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is an esophageal disorder which can have numerous causes including certain diseases, pregnancy, obesity and certain medications. These all contribute to the loosening of the lower esophageal sphincter which leads to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. To find out more about a remedy for GERD, you can download the Reflux Remedy Report at www.refluxremedy.com today!